Responses (2)

I do not have Bipolar Disorder, but have a Master's in Psychology with an emphasis on clinical psych (and mental illness, and how it's treated).

Lamictal can be very helpful as a mood stabilizer for some people. Usually, however, it's used to combat the DEPRESSIVE side of Bipolar Disorder rather than the Manic side. But, everyone is different, and this medication might help your mania.

Have you tried Lithium? The Lithium Ororate form is supposedly less dangerous in terms of side-effects and liver damage. Lithium has a good track record of helping keep Mania in check, though obviously it doesn't work for everybody.

Thanks for that clarification. It is true that I don't generally suffer from too much depression, so that may be my doctor's rationale. I guess that the dr. is the dr., and I shouldn't second-guess his opinions on this one, btw.

I have been taking 200 mg lamictal twice a day for over 10 years as a mood stablizer, but was told it was for emphasis for the depressive part of bi-polar. I did a dumb thing and went off that medication and went sailing way up there in mania-land. I have the mixed bi-polar which is at times difficult to treat. Recently I quit taking some meds from my neurologist which caused me more symptoms of depression and nodding off. If you are taking medications from one or more drs, I urge you to make sure they know the interactions of the meds together. If not look into them, ask a pharmacist and then present your findings. At least that is what I did

Thanks for the info Mediyuck. I did the same thing myself with depakote and abilify last year - came off the meds for 13 months, and ended up in another episode. So I do know from experience that's not the wisest course of action. I am lucky that I don't have to take any additional meds, but I always do let my GP know which drugs I take, in the event that there is an interaction. With the drugs I am currently taking, I guess my philosophy should be a case of If it ain't broke, why fix it sort of thing. thanks for your input here!